Having confiscated a large lollipop from Theo, Byron anticipated his anger.

"Too much candy, cavities, and now you're angry with me?" Byron said deeply. "After dinner, you'll write a hundred-word review as punishment." Theo scowled. "Nice try, but I can't read or write!"

"You're proud of being illiterate? Should I throw out your 'sacred books'?" Byron pinched his cheeks playfully, affecting a menacing tone.

Maeve, remembering Will's attachment to his yoga mat and books, intervened. "What are you doing? Threatening a child? He's already had a big shock today. Scaring him won't help." Theo hid behind Maeve.

Byron's expression softened. He'd almost forgotten the incident.

The still-warm meal beckoned, and Theo nearly jumped at the sight of the strawberry cake. Maeve had saved half for him, though she grimaced at the thought of his cavities.

"The doctor said you need less sugar. No sweets for a month," she said.

Theo was thunderstruck. His hair seemed to wilt. He looked at Maeve with pleading eyes. "Dear Maeve, you're the most beautiful and lovely person in the world." Maeve remained impassive.

"You're the most gentle and generous lady in the universe," he continued, hugging her legs. "Please don't be cruel to me!"

Byron and Maeve were both unsettled. Byron lifted Theo onto his lap. "Enough nonsense. Eat your dinner."

Where did he learn that? Byron thought unhappily. How dare he flirt with my girl?

Theo sulked, looking deflated. Maeve knew he was acting, but she softened. She gave him a small slice of cake. "Okay, one piece. Brush your teeth for three minutes afterward. Deal?" Theo's face lit up.

"Yes, ma'am!"

What a cute brat! Maeve thought.

Maeve smiled, only to meet Byron's thoughtful gaze.

"Someone was just here," he said.

Maeve followed his gaze to where Will had been, realizing she'd forgotten his cutlery.

"It was Leo. He's in bed," she said.

"Yeah?" Byron looked at the cutlery, his eyes narrowing. "His eating habits are like Will's. He doesn't like carrots, and he places his fork neatly across his bowl."

Theo, eating corn and carrots, paused. Luckily, Byron wasn't watching. Maeve felt nervous. "Most kids dislike peppers or carrots. What's the big deal?"

Byron shrugged. "No big deal."

"Then eat more," Maeve said, adding food to his bowl. He, like Will, was a picky eater, unlike Theo.

Byron smiled at Maeve's attentiveness. "Weren't you mad at me this afternoon for not letting you come with me to find Will? You're not angry anymore!" He was surprised by her concern for Will.

Maeve was stunned. He noticed that?

She hesitated. "You didn't seem worried about Will's safety." Shouldn't he have gone to find Will instead of sending her?

"I knew he was doing it on purpose," Byron said lightly. "I have people watching him. If anything happened, they would have protected him."

"But what if something had happened? Aren't you afraid something might happen to Will?" Maeve asked.

"He's not a child anymore. He knows what he's doing. If he can't handle this, how can he be my heir?" Byron glanced at Theo, his eyes softening. Maeve frowned. "Will is only four and a half. Isn't this too much pressure?"

"This is invaluable experience," Byron replied. "No one in the heir program will teach him this. He needs to learn to be independent."

Maeve disagreed. She wanted her children happy and healthy. What's the point of being an heir if he's unhappy? It's better not to be one at all! she thought.

Theo sympathized with Will. Being an heir was difficult. He was relieved he wasn't the eldest.

By the end of the argument, Maeve was furious. "This is child abuse! How can you treat your son like this? He deserves a happy childhood!"

"You're spoiling him," Byron said calmly. "Will is gifted. Now is the time to nurture his talents."

Maeve's temper flared. "I won't allow it!"

Byron's gaze intensified. "Are you speaking as Will's mother now?"

Maeve froze. She realized she wasn't in a position to criticize Byron's parenting.

Theo chimed in, "Pretty Maeve, if you become my mommy, I'll do whatever you want! I'll even give up my daddy!"

Byron's lips twitched. "Say that again?"

Has Will always been too well-behaved, making me struggle to accept his rebellious streak? Byron thought, resisting the urge to discipline Theo.

Maeve felt the tension ease. Relieved, she smiled. "What a deal! I've got a cute son for free. I'm lucky!"

Byron glanced at her, thoughtful. The doorbell rang.

"Who's that?" Maeve answered the door, her bright eyes dimming at the sight of Archer. She was reminded of their grim conversation before her surgery. Though she knew Archer worked for Byron, she felt resentment, making her cold.

"Archer, what's going on?" she asked.

Archer, sensing her chill, said, "Ms. Reese, I'm here to deliver something to Mr. McDaniel. It's a flash drive seized from Karen, with your name on it. For caution, I delivered it to Mr. McDaniel first."